Graphics Tablets For Artists

Updated on March 14, 2011

Graphics Tablets For Artists

Graphics tablets are small tools for drawing quite well on your computer screen and some of the professional results you can achieve are far superior than traditional pencil drawn art with the amount of computer effects and filters and layers you can add to your artwork.

There are many different sizes of graphics tablets to choose from, but I'd go with a larger one, as you'd only have to pay out for one later, but that's my personal opinion. The Wacom range of tablets are some of the best based on reviews I've read. I've been considering buying a Wacom Graphics Tablet for a month or two now as I think I'm ready to start my digital artwork creations with some professional style.

If you've ever looked on Youtube, you'll see many artists create videos were they draw on their computer screen and this is indeed done with a good graphics tablet and various types of Photoshop or Illustrator software programs. I've gathered a small handful of videos to show you below....

Digital Painting Video From Idrawgirls.com

Wacom Graphics Tablet

Wacom graphics tablet for artists and design professionals. | Source

Dragon Speed Painting Video

Graphics Tablets

The Benefits Of Using Graphics Tablets

Graphics tablets are ideal for artists as all they really need is access to a computer and of course the money to buy the certain software, such as Photoshop and the actual graphic tablet and the memory capacity to save your work, an external drive for example or a set of flash drives.

They save on mess, with traditional media you have to set up a work space and prepare with paints and pencils etc and clean up after finishing, which isn't really a chore, but with digital artwork there is none of that, you just load up your computer or laptop and open your art software program and away you go.

But do be prepared for lots of file space used, because if you take a simple line drawing it won't hold that much in mega bytes, but then if you start to color it and mess with it digitally, then you can be sure that the mega bytes will go through the roof, so always have back ups and other means of file storage for your work.

Even though paper is and can be quite cheap and there is always a buzz on recycling paper, you won't need paper as it will all be digital and happen inside your computer, so there will be no waste, except time if you go wrong with a digital work. One of the reasons why I m drawn to the area of digital art is that it simulates many artist mediums such as oil paint, acrylic and water color and the wide range of effects you can add to your work is just mind blowing.

If you are thinking of getting a graphics tablet, I recommend getting a Wacom one or one that is used by professionals such as a Graphire tablet. There may be other good types, so seek them out.....

How to draw a tree, there are many different ways to draw trees, so take this one way and learn from it, to draw a tree all on your own.

Graphics Tablets 12 comments

waynet 2 years ago from Hull City United Kingdom Author

Graphics tablets are awesome to use, just the huge learning curve can be a bit much to start with.

OhMe 2 years ago from Pendleton, SC

I know so little about Graphics but would like to learn more. One of these days I am going to take some classes. I did not know about graphics tablets.

Jonathan Grimes 4 years ago from Devon

Interesting HUB on a great subject. Drawing tablets open up so much freedom within your digital art. The possibilities are endless when combined with software like photoshop. Take a look at my hubs on the subject or drop by to www.drawingtabletreviews.com for some of my reviews. Just had a Wacom intuos 5 sent for me to review so watch out for the hub on that.

Great hub.

waynet 5 years ago from Hull City United Kingdom Author

Yeah I know what you mean, that's what I thought until I used someone elses...it does take some getting used to, but it's a great tool that can be used to create some fantastic works of art.

I ordered mine the other day, so I'm expecting it to arrive at my new house just after Christmas....can't wait!

M. T. Dremer 5 years ago from United States

I've been thinking a lot about getting a drawing tablet for my computer. If I had the money to burn, I probably would have gotten one already. However I do have some concerns about it. The first is a question of resistance. I draw primarily with pencils because I feel they are more accurate and detailed, but a stylus doesn't have the same resistance as a pencil on paper. The result, for me at least, would be drawing with less control over where the lines go. My second concern is a visual thing. I'm used to staring at the picture as I'm drawing it and watching where my hand and the pencil go. With a tablet, I'm looking at the screen, not my hand and I feel like I would more easily lose my spot resulting in more errors. I honestly have no idea how all of this works because I've only ever used one tablet and it was a long time ago. I still want one, but these concerns play at the back of my mind.

waynet 6 years ago from Hull City United Kingdom Author

Cheers now!

Ordered my Wacom not long ago....just sit and wait for it to arrive!

Christopher Price 6 years ago from Vermont, USA

Thanks, this was very informative. You've prompted me to look into these graphic tablets further. One of these could be just the spark that will renew my drive to produce visual art rather than written...or in addition to!

CP

waynet 6 years ago from Hull City United Kingdom Author

Yeah I am ordering a Wacom large tablet soon for Christmas as I need one and they will do a great job!

kids-toy-box 6 years ago

Awesome! I've just found my wishlist! I would love one of these.I use my touch pad more than I do the mouse so having one of these would make life so much simpler!

waynet 6 years ago from Hull City United Kingdom Author

Cheers K9 and WI!

Graphics tablets are just amazing and I've wanted one secretly for a long time, it's only the last few months that I've put some money away for one....can't wait to buy a large tablet to do digital artwork on soon!

WildIris 6 years ago

waynet~ Wow! I've never heard of graphics tablets before reading your Hub. A very informative article, and your knowledge of using a graphics tablet answers a lot of my basic questions such as how much file space I'd need and what kind of software etc. Thanks! This seems like an affordable Christmas gift.

K9keystrokes 6 years ago from Northern, California

No better graphics companion exists! I love these things. Wacom offers so many real tangible art applications when dealing with computer design. Thank you for reminding me about these little wonders.